The Department of Social Services (DSS) is comprised of the administrative units of the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the Department of Homeless Services (DHS). HRA is dedicated to fighting poverty and income inequality by providing New Yorkers in need with essential benefits such as Food Assistance and Emergency Rental Assistance. DHS is committed to preventing and addressing homelessness in New York City by employing a variety of innovative strategies to help families and individuals successfully exit shelter and return to self-sufficiency as quickly as possible.

DSS/Office of Labor Relations (DSS OLR), which reports to the Chief People Officer, is responsible for managing the Agency’s relationship with the various unions/locals representing approximately 14,000 DSS/HRA/DHS employees. DSS OLR works to facilitate positive and respectful interaction between management and the certified employee representative.

DSS OLR is recruiting for a Deputy Director of Labor Relations to oversee and manage the DSS OLR Program Support Unit. This manager will perform the following functions:

- Manage DSS OLR staff responsible for working with agency management and unions to ensure agency compliance with contractual provisions of applicable collective bargaining agreements as
well ensure adherence to agency policies and agency procedures. Provides guidance, direction and information to staff and others in the agency in an effort to eliminate/reduce conflict
between labor and management. Works to resolve labor management disputes whenever possible. Goal of this unit is to minimize formal grievances and other costly litigation.

- Oversee and conduct day-to-day communications with the various and multiple labor unions representing DSS-HRA-DHS employees. Ability to clearly and effectively communicate with
union leadership as well as union delegates and organizers is essential. Provides timely responses to inquires or escalates matters to Deputy Commissioner of DSS OLR when necessary.

- Interact with management and supervisors throughout HRA and DHS on agency policies and practices to ensure that they are in compliance with contractual standards especially when new
initiatives are implemented or when operational changes are needed.

- Provide assistance to executives, managers and supervisors when conflict with labor arises.

- Conduct research and gathers information in preparation for internal labor management meetings. In consultation with the Deputy Commissioner of DSS OLR, schedules labor
management meetings and provides follow up on labor management meeting outcomes.

- Ensure union walk- throughs are performed at work sites as needed.

- Provide assistance in interpreting the following - Collective Bargaining Agreements, City Office of Labor Relations’ (COLR) directives; Department of Citywide Administrative Services’ (DCAS)
directives and personnel orders and HRA-DHS Policies and Procedures (e.g. Time & Leave, Transfers)

- Assist DSS-HRA-DHS with implementation of labor relations aspects of recruitment plans (especially if involuntary staff movement may be necessary);

- Can provide coverage for the DSS OLR Deputy Commissioner when needed and may be asked to represent DSS OLR Deputy Commissioner in high level meetings.

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, and four (4) years of broad progressively responsible experience including two (2) years of experience a the administrative or management level, in a governmental Agency, business firm, civic or community organization, or

2. A satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience. However, all candidates must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two (2) years of experience at the administrative or management level as described in "1" above.

Knowledge of NYC Collective Bargaining Law, NYC labor agreements, DCAS Personnel Orders, EEO and HR best practices desired. Proficient in Microsoft Office – in particular Word and Excel

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.